Public Health Agency of CanadaPublic Health Agency of CanadaPHAC_10b7fa28-cd63-4f6c-b103-0d1637ca5fa2Healthy Canadians and communities in a healthier world_7102d82b-a0f1-4561-b265-480c36bf0d44To promote and protect the health of Canadians through leadership, partnership, innovation, and action in public health_9364f831-2bf3-4bf4-921a-06ce6c5c138cHealth NeedsAnticipate and respond to the health needs of Canadians_04a621f6-dacf-47b4-bd08-8176705fe0561In support of this strategic objective, PHAC will focus on a
number of priorities that are critical to its abilities to reduce
health disparity and contribute to a stronger public health
capacity. Central to this objective will be the ability of the
Agency to effectively fulfill its mandate, maintaining credibility
and enhancing its already strong reputation. The policy and
program priorities in this section are not an exhaustive list of all
the issues PHAC will continue to work on or consider
important. They represent specific areas where the Agency
has made a clear decision to make significant headway over
the next five years in addressing major public health
challenges, as well as key determinants of health, health
disparities among Aboriginal peoples, children, and seniors,
and gaps in public health capacity.
In delivering on policy and programming priorities under this
objective, PHAC will concentrate on establishing integrated
frameworks and delivery mechanisms and a cohesive
approach to addressing health determinants. As the Agency
moves forward, it will be essential to maintain the links
between the priorities and work of the broader Health
Portfolio, other departments and other governments.All-Hazards ApproachPHAC will ensure that its all-hazards approach allows it to provide leadership in detecting and identifying potential sources of infectious disease outbreaks and reducing and preventing the spread of emerging and or re-emerging infectious diseases._4464ac7a-ba05-433f-8241-fe221056c0be1.1The impact of an uncontrolled outbreak of any infectious disease would be significant and serious. Governments, stakeholders and citizens would look to the Agency to take a leadership role in protecting Canadians. Domestically and globally, there are significant concerns related to pandemic influenza and emerging infections. Given concerns stemming from the risks associated with an outbreak of avian and/or pandemic influenza, $1 billion was allocated to federal departments and agencies in Budget 2006 to strengthen preparedness. PHAC will take a leadership role with other federal departments, provincial/territorial governments, and stakeholders to carefully manage these resources to enhance and maintain an all-hazards approach. This means that many of the things we would do to prepare for an influenza pandemic would also be useful in the event of a different type of uncontrolled outbreak of infectious disease or public health emergency, such as a natural or man-made disaster.
As we saw during SARS, public health is brought to the forefront in times of crisis, when infection control becomes a primary means of reducing the impact of an emerging infectious disease. The federal government plays a key role in reducing the threat of emerging infectious diseases, in conjunction with provincial, territorial, and local governments. HIV/AIDSManage the Federal Initiative on HIV/AIDS_c17e6dff-2a60-421b-83cc-85890d3c8f951.2We will continue to manage the Federal Initiative on HIV/AIDS, support Canada-wide action, and sustain a global response, while remaining responsive to shifts in the epidemic and forging new and collaborative relationships to address its emerging issues. PHAC will partner with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the Canadian Vaccine Initiative, a new effort to speed up the development of an HIV/AIDS vaccine and address critical research gaps.Injuries and Chronic DiseasesAddress injuries and chronic diseases_63c07838-1088-4d6b-a73e-56c3364d02a71.3Although Canadians tend to associate the work of the Agency with infectious disease prevention and health protection, PHAC has an equally important role to play in addressing injuries and chronic diseases, which account for the majority of deaths and disease in Canada. Given the important role of obesity in chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the Agency will work “upstream” to develop a policy framework and action plan on obesity in partnership with stakeholders. The plan will include the development of knowledge and expertise in this emerging area of concern, and will focus on how best to intervene and prevent obesity.Mental Health and Mental IllnessAddress mental health and mental illness_aa33d3bd-cead-4b02-a6c4-fa15c79eb41c1.4The Agency realizes that physical health is only one component of health. At least one in five people will be affected by mental illness during their lifetime. Preserving and promoting mental health among Canadians contributes to healthy families, productive workplaces and nurturing communities. The Agency will augment its capacity to address mental health and mental illness and develop a policy framework and action plan focussed on developing information and knowledge, providing effective public health advice concerning effective interventions, and liaising with the new Canadian Mental Health Commission.Aboriginal Public Health PolicyIncrease capacity in this area and develop a strong Aboriginal public health policy_23ef8455-e99d-499f-ae59-135123d451071.5To address the significant health disparities experienced by Aboriginal Canadians, PHAC will increase its capacity in this area and develop a strong Aboriginal public health policy. Currently, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada provides public health programming and services to on-reserve First Nations communities and the Inuit. Provincial/ territorial governments provide programming and services to off-reserve First Nations and other Aboriginal populations, including the Inuit. PHAC provides some programs to off-reserve First Nations and other Aboriginal populations, including the Métis, and there are Aboriginal components in a number of PHAC’s programs, but the need for an over-arching strategic policy on Aboriginal public health is clear. In this analysis, one area of particular concern is the need for better data and information on the health of Aboriginal populations, which will need to be addressed as part of a broader framework. To develop this Aboriginal public health policy and assume a greater role in developing and delivering Aboriginal public health programs across Canada, PHAC will launch and maintain collaborative relationships with national and regional Aboriginal organizations and other federal departments. Child Health and DevelopmentDevelop a comprehensive policy for child health and development, focussing on the development of knowledge and tools_c42aac9f-a691-45a6-a030-3b5cafa692d61.6PHAC has also identified the importance of child health and development in its five-year plan, given the health disparities experienced by certain groups of children (e.g., Aboriginal children and children living in poverty) as well as the significant impact of early childhood development as a key determinant of health. In addition, a priority on children is appropriate given that unintentional injury is the leading cause of death, morbidity and disability among Canadian children and youth. There are a number of programs in the Agency that currently address child health. It is important that we assess this work in light of evolving needs and priorities for Canadian children, current evidence, and Agency directions. Seniors and Healthy AgingA comprehensive strategy on seniors and healthy aging focusing on emergency preparedness, injury prevention, mental health and active aging_faf2153b-e6a8-4a3d-a086-dc75dcb555f51.7Although upstream interventions are needed on child health, the Agency also recognizes that the aging of Canada’s population continues to increase. An aging population brings with it serious concerns with regard to the prevalence of chronic disease, the incidence of injury and the disproportionate vulnerability of this group to the consequences of public health emergencies. EnvironmentDevelop a strong and comprehensive policy and program response on the public health impacts stemming from the environment_51c8cc29-f46d-4160-91a3-181d888950be1.8While placing a priority on addressing the needs of certain populations, the Agency also recognizes that the impact of the environment is a key health issue and priority of governments and Canadians. PHAC will develop a strong and comprehensive policy and program response on the public health impacts stemming from the environment (e.g., infectious disease risks associated with climate change, food contaminant/zoonosis risks, chronic disease and environmental hazards, etc.). We will enhance our partnerships with Health Canada, Environment Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and non-governmental partners to allow a strong public health contribution to the broader environment agenda.Global Public Health Strengthen the government’s policy coherence related to global public health_cd19d936-e595-4d6d-9377-15d0541c73ee1.9Our priorities on addressing public health disparity and influencing the determinants of health cannot be restricted to Canada alone. Global public health is in Canada’s interest. A reduced global disease burden strengthens global health security and protects Canadians against many current and emerging public health threats. In keeping with this interest, the Agency will work to strengthen the government’s policy coherence related to global public health and consider its impact on other areas, such as migration health. This work will involve international leadership and participation in strategic international initiatives to promote approaches to addressing the determinants of health and to build capacity in global public health systems.Monitoring MechanismsEstablish better mechanisms for monitoring public health capacity_e1d58a92-adf2-4a21-bb92-0e3f976462641.10There are significant challenges associated with traditionally weak and limited public health capacity in Canada. The Agency will continue working in partnership with stakeholders and other governments to develop strategies to address gaps in public health capacity in order to enhance our ability to take action on major health issues and respond to potential public health emergencies.
As a first step, the Agency needs to augment its efforts to monitor the human, financial, program, policy, research and legal dimensions of public health capacity. The establishment of better mechanisms for monitoring public health capacity (e.g., developing benchmarks and markers of performance) will result in more effective strategies to address weaknesses and fill the gaps.
Human ResourcesCollaborate with other levels of government to fill gaps in public health human resources_2c66dc17-b7d1-443a-8242-61fc907dfb101.11PHAC will also place a priority on collaborating with other levels of government to fill gaps in public health human resources, both within the Agency and in other jurisdictions, and on working with partners to provide leadership in the areas of training and skills development, core competencies, accreditation, and recruitment and retention policies.VaccineDemonstrate leadership toward a federal approach to new vaccine research, development, production and supply, and program monitoring and evaluation_aea43b50-91dd-4261-b23c-31b494203e2a1.12The availability of safe and effective vaccines plays a major role in public health capacity. By preventing disease, immunization reduces pressures on the health care and public health systems, by reducing outbreaks of infectious disease, outpatient visits, hospitalizations and long-term disabilities. But there are gaps in terms of the equitable and timely access to safe and sustainable vaccines across the country. PHAC will place a priority on demonstrating leadership toward a federal approach to new vaccine research, development, production and supply, and program monitoring and evaluation in Canada and around the world. To support this work, the federal government has announced an increase in federal funding to support the construction of the International Vaccine Centre, a high-containment animal research facility that will expand domestic capacity for pre-clinical vaccine research on pathogens that affect both animals and humans.Health Emergency ManagementDevelop a robust National Health Emergency Management System_82b2fc60-4c72-4d9a-a8e8-9a07345d3f481.13The Agency will develop a robust National Health Emergency Management System in collaboration with federal partners, provinces and territories, and social assistance/relief agencies. The System will be seamless and comprehensive and will include development of an Incident Management System, bringing together tried and true operating procedures with the personnel who are trained and exercised to implement these procedures in the event of an emergency. Enhancements will be made to the National Emergency Stockpile System, ensuring that sufficient supplies of appropriate and modern products and materials are available in the event of a public health emergency.Delivering and ReportingPHAC will demonstrate its effectiveness by delivering on its priorities and by reporting on results to Canadians._a841fe69-ac68-4683-8d03-1c9336057d941.14In order to deliver on these priorities and fulfill our mandate, PHAC needs to be in a position to exert influence and leadership in the broader public health environment. The ability to lead and influence will be enhanced when the Agency has a strong reputation as a world leader in public health and a high degree of credibility with citizens, other governments and stakeholders. Reputation and credibility stem from effectiveness. Public Health AdviceEnsure that the most timely, precise and accurate public health advice is available to stakeholders_55e565e2-a570-4063-8da1-c14aa6a56e971.15The Agency will also demonstrate effectiveness by ensuring that the most timely, precise and accurate public health advice is available to stakeholders, Canadians and the international community. For example, we will strive to ensure that the CPHO’s annual report, a requirement stipulated in the Agency’s enabling legislation, is viewed as an evidence-based, highly anticipated and respected publication providing leadership on public health issues.Information and KnowledgeEnsure actions are supported by integrated information and knowledge functions_f39f0694-21fe-438a-a6fd-6bf351f6f7032Programs and research in the Agency will be aligned to
support the priorities identified under Objective 1. Key to the
success of the alignment will be better linkages between
PHAC’s information and knowledge development functions
and its actions, as described previously.SurveillanceStreamline surveillance into a coherent and integrated national surveillance system_6af99b38-da74-4340-8e70-98d6f222fc452.1Effective and timely surveillance is critical to the ability of the government and provinces/territories to accurately track, plan for and respond to diseases. As such, it is a core competency of PHAC and requires strong partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, and other organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Canada Health Infoway Inc. A successful surveillance system requires a combination of robust and flexible systems with people who know how to use them; data collection, sharing and management across jurisdictions and settings; expert analysis and interpretation; and communication with public health partners. It is essential in planning, implementing and evaluating public health interventions, supporting the Minister of Health by informing action on ministerial and federal priorities, and often serves as an early warning of potential issues of importance to public health. PHAC has a number of strong surveillance systems capturing important information on public health. However, an overall surveillance strategy is needed to provide the basis for an integrated approach to information, knowledge and action in PHAC and to support action at the provincial/territorial level. The Agency will streamline its surveillance into a coherent and integrated national surveillance system, positioning surveillance as a strategic resource for the Agency – one that all key stakeholders can maximize to its full potential. The end result will be a responsive system that provides added value, employs cutting-edge technology and provides timely and accurate information to policy-makers, clinicians and laboratories. Information Regulations and SystemsDevelop its information regulations and related systems_06bfe1b9-3fda-4a72-b12a-6b2090005f532.2Further to the PHAC Act, the Agency will develop its information regulations and related systems, permitting it to better collect, use and disclose public health information, protect personal information, and enhance relationships with provinces and territories around information sharing. These regulations will be critical to our ability to conduct effective surveillance and population health assessment to inform programming and policy decisions. Science and ResearchFurther develop strong science and research capacity_69277d3a-94aa-4366-8e30-2956443302eb2.3Closely tied to surveillance and information collection, science and research are important strategic resources for the Agency. Over the next five years, PHAC will focus on further developing its strong science and research capacity and ensuring that it is responsive to the priorities of the Agency. In this way, Agency science and research will provide the much-needed evidence to support decision-making concerning programming and policies. Unique science capacities and high-containment/lab biosafety expertise will be leveraged to strengthen the Agency’s credibility and reputation. A special focus will be placed on technology and development innovation, immunotherapy and biotechnology. Above all, PHAC will maintain a standard of scientific and research excellence, ensuring that its work stands up to expert review and meets or exceeds international standards.KnowledgeStrengthen capacity to enhance knowledge access, appraisal, sharing and application_a8c77d98-2b2d-4fc4-8550-31b57d9129c02.4Streamlined surveillance, supported by information regulations and aligned science and research will provide a strong foundation for a focus on knowledge translation and partnerships. PHAC will strengthen its internal capacity to enhance knowledge access, appraisal, sharing and application across programs. A more effective knowledge translation function in the Agency will support evidence-based actions on public health. However, this work will also necessitate key strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the National Collaborating Centres for Public Health, building on existing strengths and facilitating the sharing of knowledge that can be put into practice at all levels of the public health system across Canada. Stakeholder RelationsLaunch a broader strategic approach to stakeholder relations management_d94b06d0-4baf-426e-9058-4cd387b5daa42.5Building on the partnerships that will be enhanced with regard to knowledge translation, the Agency will launch a broader strategic approach to stakeholder relations management. The approach will involve strengthening the Agency’s relationships with partners, resulting in better engagement in coordinated efforts to advance shared public health objectives on common priorities.International Policies and ActivitiesDevelop a strategic and coherent approach to the development and implementation of its international policies and activities_79ebb0fe-86eb-4c1a-b34e-791f3b684d682.6Our approach to enhancing stakeholder relations will also apply to the development of an International Policy Framework. The Agency will work with other federal departments and international organizations to develop a strategic and coherent approach to the development and implementation of its international policies and activities related to public health, with distinct priorities, measurable objectives, and clear roles and responsibilities. Although the framework will provide a tool for planning and advancing PHAC’s international activities, it will be closely linked to domestic and Agency priorities.Reporting Reporting on results and performance_18ad308c-6b12-4b27-a27a-aad11f96dca22.7The success of our efforts to align our integrated information and knowledge functions will be demonstrated in our reporting on results and performance to Canadians. To improve public reporting on results and performance, PHAC must strengthen its evaluation, in the broadest sense, and embed it into the Agency’s decision-making processes. Evaluations must be tailored to focus on health outcomes and direct impacts on Canadians. Information on results will be translated into knowledge (e.g., best practices), disseminated to stakeholders and used to make decisions and influence policies and programming. Public reporting will be balanced, transparent and easy to understand. Tools, Leadership, and CultureFurther develop PHAC’s dedicated, professional workforce by providing it with the tools and leadership it needs and by ensuring a supportive culture_3937584d-584c-4a97-8522-6df6a68de93f3To continue providing high quality public health programming,
research and advice, PHAC needs to ensure that the
organization and its people have the necessary organizational,
management and cultural supports.
This objective is about making sure that the Agency is wellpositioned
and equipped to address the first two objectives.
Simply put, it is about managing to deliver on priorities.WorkforceAttract, recruit, retain and rejuvenate a highly qualified, skilled, and motivated workforce_c6ddc622-9a46-4190-a986-1aaaae84fb3c3.1PHAC’s greatest asset is its people. To maintain standards of excellence and establish in the minds of Canadians that PHAC is a prestigious and desirable organization in which to build a career, PHAC must attract, recruit, retain and rejuvenate a highly qualified, skilled, and motivated workforce. Human Resources StategiesHuman resources strategies, policies and practices will be improved and streamlined_6614e3b5-77c3-49e2-b690-f89e998bfd373.2Continuous LearningFoster a principle of continuous learning, including specific development stream plans._73de0554-468c-4c9d-8c67-0163c188a2313.3Representative WorkforceMaintain a representative workforce and encourage the use of both of Canada’s official languages._ebdbc978-b37f-45f9-a32f-19fdadc4176b3.4CultureFoster a culture of fairness, supportiveness, health and safety._0b57838c-1a34-4344-9117-b0247fb92db03.5Transparency and AccountabilityEstablish transparent and accountable mechanisms_81db0dd4-cc91-4601-8856-d7e44c5edf7b3.6In building its agency culture, PHAC will strengthen its governance by establishing transparent and accountable mechanisms for enhanced leadership on policy and program development and for reviews of capacity, risk management, audit, surveillance and portfolio relations. A system for coordinated governance in the Agency will ensure timely, efficient and effective issue management within the Agency.GovernanceMore effective governance_3c490740-ae05-4551-a2d0-beda3550b5ac3.7More effective Agency governance will also allow for more active participation and leadership in portfolio and interdepartmental fora. The Agency must have the ability to lead files across the Health Portfolio and interdepartmentally (e.g., social determinants of health), provide timely and coherent public health input to the priorities of other departments (e.g., public safety and security, seniors’ health, disability, drug strategy, healthy food) and coordinate the advancement of public health objectives in concert with other government priorities. Above all, the Agency must show leadership in serving the Minister of Health with clear, high quality and well-respected public health advice.Risk ManagementAdopt a formal, integrated risk management framework_2f582187-2095-42fa-849e-6d48c21e72663.8Recognizing that management of corporate risks and health risks is critical to PHAC’s effectiveness and credibility, the Agency’s senior executives will adopt a formal, integrated risk management framework to oversee, identify, assess, disclose, manage and mitigate risk. This work will involve better integration between risk identification and risk profiling in policy development and decision-making processes of the Agency. A Chief Risk Officer will act as a pivotal centre of responsibility for the systematic and consistent implementation of this function across PHAC business lines.Regional OfficesRealize a vision for Agency Regional Offices_cb1657d8-212d-42b6-a373-05878163fc453.9PHAC will work to realize a vision for Agency Regional Offices that contribute to the range of PHAC’s priorities and activities, capitalizing on the fact that Agency Regional Offices are close to communities and provincial/territorial partners. This vision involves alignment and coherence between regional and national levels with respect to structure, governance, priorities and accountability to achieve PHAC’s strategic objectives. Work will continue to ensure that Agency Regional Offices are fully involved in providing information and strategic advice from regional perspectives to influence and participate in decision-making.Winnipeg PresenceContinue to build a strong Winnipeg presence_940f4083-bae0-4f54-ab12-e57e24ca20963.10Work will continue to build a strong Winnipeg presence, based on good business sense and capitalizing on the city’s world-class scientific research capacity. The Agency will build on the reputation of the National Microbiology Lab and strengthen linkages to academia and public health organizations at national and international levels.Stewardship and AccountabilityBuilding effective stewardship and accountability_4989d662-7bd2-4b1e-adc0-6a43535ab5c73.11The extent of the Agency ability to manage its efforts to deliver on priorities will rely heavily on building effective stewardship and accountability. PHAC will enhance its effectiveness of management and control in support of information, assets, money, people and services. A key component will involve the development of effective, coherent and integrated financial and planning systems, mechanisms and processes. A full financial management control framework and robust internal audit capacity will reinforce the Agency’s capacity to manage its resources with credibility and comply with central agency requirements. An agency-wide capacity assessment exercise will form the basis for reallocation and realignment. In keeping with principles of management excellence, accountability will be clearly assigned and allow for the effective execution of responsibility.2007-01-012012-12-312010-02-08http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/2007/sp-ps/pdfs/PHAC_StratPlan_E_WEB.pdfArthurColman (www.drybridge.com)colman@drybridge.com